Jennifer Garcia Bashaw & John Dominic Crossan: Critical Scholarship for a Faithful Disciple
Mar 20, 2024
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Join scholars Jennifer Garcia Bashaw and John Dominic Crossan as they explore how historical Jesus scholarship reshapes Christian practice. They dive into the Passion narratives, discussing the need for historical context and how it counters anti-Semitism. The conversation critiques traditional atonement theories, urging a reevaluation of Jesus's death in light of marginalized perspectives. They also address the complexities of interpreting Scripture across different contexts, inviting deeper engagement with the Gospels.
Examining the historical context of Jesus' execution enhances understanding of anti-Semitism in Gospel narratives, promoting more nuanced interpretations.
The Gospel of John's unique narrative style reveals significant theological emphases that differ from the Synoptic Gospels, enriching Biblical scholarship.
Recognizing the diversity in Gospel accounts encourages a broader appreciation of early Christian thought, moving beyond rigid interpretations of faith.
Deep dives
Addressing Jesus' Execution and Anti-Semitism
The conversation delves into the execution of Jesus, exploring its historical context and the potential implications of anti-Semitism found within the Gospels. Scholars point out that the narratives surrounding Jesus' death might inadvertently reinforce negative stereotypes about Jewish people. By examining the Passion Narratives closely, they argue that understanding these texts in their social context can reveal deeper meanings and mitigate harmful interpretations. This can enhance our understanding of the complex historical relationship between Christianity and Judaism, emphasizing the importance of critical scholarship.
The Nature and Interpretation of the Gospel of John
A significant aspect of the discussion revolves around the nature of the Gospel of John and its distinct narrative style compared to the Synoptic Gospels. The scholars highlight the unique literary devices employed in John, particularly how it frames events such as the crucifixion and the temple cleansing, presenting them with a different perspective. For instance, the temple cleansing in John's account occurs early in his narrative, which contrasts with its placement in the Synoptics, indicating a different theological emphasis. This difference prompts important questions about the author's intentions and the implications for understanding Jesus' mission.
The Role of Historical Scholarship in Understanding the Gospels
The scholars discuss the tension between faith-based readings of the Gospels and the insights provided by historical criticism. They emphasize the necessity of contextualizing scripture and understanding the genre of the Gospels to unpack their meanings. Instead of strictly seeking historical facts, they propose exploring the theological messages and implications that the Gospel authors may have intended. This approach allows for a richer engagement with the texts without undermining their significance within a faith context.
Visions of the Resurrected Christ
The dialogue touches on the different narratives of the resurrection across the Gospels, particularly focusing on the nature of the appearances of the resurrected Jesus. They consider the question of whether these experiences should be understood as literal encounters or as visions experienced by believers. The scholars suggest that viewing these appearances as genuine visions allows for a better understanding of the early Christians' beliefs about Jesus following his crucifixion. This opens the door to exploring why the concept of resurrection was emphasized over ascension in the early church.
Multiplicity of Voices in the Gospels
The importance of recognizing the multiple perspectives within the Gospels is a key theme in the discussion. The scholars highlight that the variances in the Gospel accounts should not be seen as contradictions but as complementary truths that enrich our understanding of Jesus' life and impact. They argue that each Gospel presents a distinct perspective shaped by its community and context, thereby offering a fuller picture of the Christ event. This recognition of diversity in Gospel narratives challenges the notion of a singular, rigid interpretation of Christian faith and encourages an appreciation for the complexity of early Christian thought.
This week, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Garcia Bashaw as we discuss how historical Jesus scholarship can challenge and shape Christian practice, along with a host of questions from members of the online class.
Jennifer Garcia Bashaw (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is Associate Professor of New Testament and Christian Ministry at Campbell University in North Carolina. She is an ordained Baptist minister and has a passion for teaching the Bible and training pastors. Jennifer is a Nerd-in-Residence for the Bible for Normal People and is the author ofScapegoats: The Bible through the Eyes of Victims & The Gospel of John for Normal People.
John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Historical Jesus, How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, God and Empire, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, The Greatest Prayer, The Last Week, and The Power of Parable. He lives in Minneola, Florida.
